Dennis Velez Explained

Dennis Velez
Birth Place:Ponce, Puerto Rico
Allegiance:United States
Branch:United States Navy
Serviceyears:1992–present
Rank:Rear Admiral
Commands:Carrier Strike Group 10
Navy Recruiting Command

Awards:Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit (2)
Alma Mater:United States Naval Academy (BS)
Touro College (MS)

Dennis Velez is a United States Navy rear admiral and surface warfare officer who serves as the chief of staff of the United States Cyber Command. He previously served as the director of plans and policy of United States Cyber Command from June 2023 to June 2024.[1] [2]

Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and raised in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, Velez graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He earned a master's degree in Information Technology Management. Also has a Master of Science in Management Information Systems from Touro College.

In 2021 Dennis Velez was inducted to the Puerto Rico Veterans Hall of Fame.[3]

Military career

Velez most recently served as the commander of Carrier Strike Group 10 from April 2022 to May 2023.[4] [5] [6] He previously served as the commander of Navy Recruiting Command from April 2020 to March 2022,[7] [8] and as the senior military assistant to the 76th United States Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer, with tours as commanding officer of the and .[9] [10]

In February 2023, Velez was nominated for promotion to rear admiral.[11]

Military decorations and awards

Among Rear Admiral Velez's military decorations are the following:

Surface Warfare Officer Insignia
1st RowDefense Superior Service MedalLegion of Merit w/ one gold starMeritorious Service Medal w/ three gold stars
2nd RowNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/ three gold starsNavy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/ one gold starJoint Meritorious Unit Award w/ one bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
3rd RowNavy Achievement MedalNavy Meritorious Unit CommendationNavy "E" Ribbon w/ Wreathed Battle E device
4th RowNavy Expeditionary Medal w/ one bronze service starNational Defense Service Medal w/ one bronze service starArmed Forces Expeditionary Medal
5th RowGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal w/ two bronze service stars Global War on Terrorism Service MedalArmed Forces Service Medal
6th RowHumanitarian Service Medal w/ one bronze starNavy and Marine Corps Sea Service Deployment Ribbon w/ three bronze starsNavy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon w/ three bronze stars
7th RowNATO MedalNavy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon with Expert Device
Command at Sea insignia
Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge

References

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Notes and References

  1. Web site: United States Navy Flag Officers (Public), March 2023. 2023-03-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20230302022707/https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Career/Detailing/Flag/March%202023%20Roster%20(Public).pdf. 2023-03-02. MyNavyHR.
  2. Web site: Flag Officer Assignments. 2023-02-21. 2023-02-22. U.S. Department of Defense.
  3. https://www.opv.pr.gov/salon-de-la-fama/salon-de-la-fama
  4. Web site: Carrier Strike Group 10, GHWBCSG Changes Command. 2022-04-06. 2022-04-07. Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia. DVIDS.
  5. Web site: Flag Officer Assignments. 2022-03-11. 2022-03-12. en-US. U.S. Department of Defense.
  6. Web site: Carrier Strike Group 10, GHWBCSG Changes Command. 2023-05-25. 2023-05-26. DVIDS.
  7. Web site: Anderson. Cody. CNRC Welcomes RDML Dennis Vélez. 2020-06-11. dvidshub.net.
  8. Web site: Rear Admiral Alexis T. Walker. 2022-03-27. U.S. Navy.
  9. Web site: Rear Admiral Dennis Velez. 2021-06-07. U.S. Navy.
  10. Web site: UNITED STATES NAVY FLAG OFFICERS (Public), March 2021. 2021-03-23. 2021-05-14. https://web.archive.org/web/20210514040823/https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Career/Detailing/Flag/March%202021%20Roster%20%28Public%29.pdf?ver=8R3RhnO0G-u8RDdschL-_A%3D%3D. live.
  11. Web site: PN370 — Navy, 118th Congress (2023-2024). 2023-02-16. 2022-02-18. U.S. Congress.